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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions … Answered

We strive for transparency in our admissions process. Following are some of the most common questions we hear from our applicants.

If you think of something else you would like to know, particularly regarding the changing prerequisites and competencies for the 2017 entering class and beyond, please email your question to our Admissions team, take part in the next Tweet Chat or call us!

Pre-Application

Q: Do I need a college degree to apply to medical school?

A: No, but almost all admitted students have obtained one. You must have at least 90 hours of college coursework, of which 60 must be from an accredited U.S. or Canadian based institution.

Q: What is the best time to take the MCAT?

A: The best time to take the MCAT is when you are well prepared, both in terms of college courses completed and having time to study/prepare for the MCAT itself. Clearly, MCAT scores reflect knowledge, not just intelligence, so if you have not taken the necessary courses in college, you will need to do a lot of independent work to be adequately prepared. We will accept MCAT exam scores taken by September of your application year, however we recommend you take the MCAT in the spring. We accept MCAT scores within three years of your matriculation year. A good place to start is the Aspiring Docs section of the AAMC website, a trusted resource we recommend for future physicians. Another resource is the Khan Academy MCAT Test Prep.

Q: Can I apply to medical school if I don't have all my requirements finished?

A: Yes, as long as you have a plan to complete them by the time you matriculate.

Q. Does it matter when I apply?

A: We strongly encourage all applicants — including MSTP — to apply as early as possible due to our competitive rolling admission process. June is a good month to apply!

Q: What qualities do you look for in med school applicants?

A: Medical students at the University of Michigan get an outstanding clinical education that allows them to build relationships with and take care of patients from all walks of life and anywhere on the globe. We seek out individuals who not only have the potential to excel academically, but also possess personal attributes and competencies that align with our commitment to train the leaders and best. For more information, please review our Class Profiles and Requirements pages.

Application Process

Q: What happens after I submit my application?

A: We aim to make our Admissions process as transparent as possible. Once you apply and submit your secondary application, you can check the status at any time through your applicant portal page on our Admissions page.

Q: How many people apply to U-M and how many applicants get interviews?

A: We usually receive about 7,000+ applications, and will interview approximately 450 candidates.

Q. What is an interview day like at Michigan?

A. It's a fast-paced but fun day that provides plenty of opportunities for you to learn about us and for us to learn about you. Read more and watch videos about our "24 Hours in Blue" interview days.

Q. How soon after an interview will I hear if I've been admitted?

A. We send offers of admittance no later than the 20th of the month following the month in which your interview took place. The first offers of the cycle go out in October and continue through February.

Q. What else might happen after my interview?

A. Other possible outcomes may include: File Closed, Waitlisted, and Deferred Decision. Learn more about the application timeline.

Q: How many students from outside of Michigan do you take?

A: Our aim is that about half the class or more will be made up of non-Michigan residents. The entering class is very diverse. For more information, please review our Class Profiles.

Q. Do you have a revisit weekend?

A: Yes, all admitted students are invited back in April for our student-organized Second Look Weekend. It's a highly rated event that helps many students make their final decision to attend Michigan.

Q: When do I have to decide which school I will attend?

A: If you're admitted to the University of Michigan Medical School, your spot will be held (no deposit required) until the nationally designated decision date.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?

A: Every admitted student is eligible for a merit scholarship, which are typically awarded in March. Our Financial Aid Office works with students one-on-one to help them figure out what financial assistance makes sense for them, including merit- or need-based scholarships, grants and/or loans. For more information, review Before You Go Blue.

A. Approximately 85% of our students receive financial aid, including loans. More than 60% receive a scholarship or grant, ranging from hundreds of dollars to full tuition.

Q. Do UMMS grads have a lot of debt?

A. Our graduates’ average medical school debt load is well below the mean when compared with debt load for all medical school graduates (Source: AAMC FASR). For more details, see Before You Go Blue.

More Questions about Michigan Med?

Interested in FAQs on topics ranging from our curriculum and research opportunities to how well our students do on exams and in the National Residency Match Program process? Read through our responses to the AAMC's "Selecting a Medical School: 35 Questions I Wished I Had Asked."

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